Once his coughing subsided, he suddenly spoke with a wistful look:
"The Blade Ghost's blade intent is extraordinary. If I could fight him face-to-face, I would surely gain something from it. Unfortunately, I fear I will never be able to wield a blade again."
His clouded eyes glanced regretfully at his rough old hands, covered in wounds.
At these words, Water-Cutting at his waist suddenly began to hum and tremble, as though reproaching him for saying such dispirited things.
"Old friend, I have to admit my age."
Duan Tianya gently patted the long blade at his waist.
"Elder Duan, could your cultivation during your lifetime have already reached the Transformation Realm?"
Seeing that Duan Tianya could actually suppress the Blade Ghost, Xu Taiping suddenly asked with some curiosity.
"The Transformation Realm? No, no. In my entire life, I only ever reached the peak of Spirit Refining. However..."
Duan Tianya first shook his head, then smiled smugly, leaving him in suspense.
"However what?"
Xu Taiping immediately asked.
"I've killed one."
Duan Tianya grinned, his smile brimming with pride and arrogance.
Though it was only a few simple words, they surpassed all flowery language.
"Don't look so surprised. In a blade cultivator's eyes, there have only ever been those we can kill and those we cannot. Spirit Refining, Transformation Realm-none of that exists."
Seeing the expression on Xu Taiping's face, Duan Tianya smiled and shook his head.
"Thank you for the lesson, Elder."
Though it was only a casually spoken sentence, it had already revealed the true meaning of a blade cultivator's practice.
"Young man."
Duan Tianya suddenly raised his head again and looked at Xu Taiping.
"What is it, Elder Duan?"
Xu Taiping asked in puzzlement.
"Would you like to learn my blade techniques?"
Duan Tianya asked with a smile.
Xu